If you’re planning on studying abroad, chances are you have been thinking about this for a long time and are excited to embark on the journey. Whether you’re traveling to Spain, France, Japan, or wherever it may be, trying to pack everything you want for a semester will be difficult. We tried to make it a little easier on you by compiling some lists to guide and ease you through how to pack to study abroad. Let’s dive in!
Study Abroad Packing Lists
This first list is all about the things you absolutely must bring with you. No matter where you are traveling to, these things will be important.
The “DO NOT FORGET” List
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- ID
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Currency of country traveling to (you can also bring US currency and exchange it at the airport)
- Prescriptions
- Over-the-counter medicine (allergy, headache, cold, etc.)
- Other travel documents
- Enrollment documents
- Accommodation documents
- Copy of birth certificate
Next up, are your essentials. The things you will use every day that you may be able to buy while you’re abroad if you forget something, but chances are you will want to be using the stuff you already have at home with you.
The “Everyday Necessities” List
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Toiletries
- Glasses/contacts (if necessary)
- Computer
- Chargers
- Charging adapters (other countries may not have the same outlets as the US does, so make sure your chargers are compatible by bringing an adapter)
- Headphones
- Reusable water bottle
We save the best for last for the packing lists. The fun list! This is a list of things that may bring you joy on your journey, but may also not make the cut if you start to run out of space in your packing.
The “Fun to Have” List
- Camera
- Book
- Journal (to write down adventures)
Now for the opposite of a packing list, we have also compiled a list of things you may want but don’t need to pack for your study abroad. It’s important to be choosy with your packing since you’re so limited on luggage space.
The “Things You Don’t Need to Pack” List
- Textbooks
- Too much clothing
- Food (many countries do not allow you to bring food in)
- Expensive items
Use Your Luggage Space Wisely
Now that you have an idea of what to pack, fitting it all in your luggage can be a challenge. There are a few methods that others have used to get the most out of their space.
Packing cubes and strategic folding (or rolling) methods are a great way to fit in a few extra things. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save a significant amount of space. It also helps with wrinkles! Color coordinate the clothes you are bringing so you can get multiple outfits out of every item of clothing. Think about making a capsule wardrobe, and limit crazy colors and patterns. The more outfits you can make out of items, the fewer clothes you have to pack!
Looking for scholarships for study abroad check out these College Raptor resources to help you start your study abroad journey in Asia, Europe, or anywhere else!
